(Updated 3/1/23)

T-Ball is an informal league intended to teach the fundamentals of baseball by the simplest method possible-letting the kids play the game. Players in this age range have a short interest span in any single activity and both practices and games move rapidly. Only the basic fundamentals of the game are brought out, such as how to properly catch and throw, how to field a ground ball, where to throw the fielded ball and how to back up other players, and the basics of base running. An emphasis in practices is teaching parents the skills they need to practice with their children at home.

Games are structured for instructional purposes, to let teams play with little thought of victory or defeat, but merely for the joy of participation; to have the opportunity to run and yell while, at the same time, learning teamwork, group discipline and sportsmanship.

Even at this age the skill level of the kids varies widely and we try to tailor the experience to the kids’ individual skills level as much as possible. As the team managers deem appropriate we will progress to pitching by coaches. All players on the team bat in rotation (roster batting) whether playing in the field or not and play in the field a minimum of 4 innings in a 6 inning game. There are no team standings, and no post season tournament, and T-Ball players are not rated or drafted.

T-Ball Rules:

The “Official Baseball Rules” published by Major League Baseball (not Little League Organization) shall govern the playing rules of BGRA. The rules listed below are supplemental and specific to T-Ball.

Batting Rules:

1. Bunting is not permitted.
2. Roster batting shall be used. Roster batting consists of placing all players in a sequential batting order regardless of the number of players present. All players will bat when their turn in the order is reached whether or not they are currently playing in the field.
3. When using coach pitch, a player will be given a maximum of five pitches. If unsuccessful, the batting tee will be used to complete that at-bat.
4. Any player throwing their bat will be immediately instructed in the need to lay their bat down safely. If necessary, have the players carry the bat to first base.
5. The infield fly rule shall not apply.
6. Managers will decide how many of their batters will bat each inning and the teams may change sides regardless of the number of defense outs made.

Base Running Rules:

1. Runner may not slide head first into home or any base.
2. Base runners are not permitted to steal or lead-off bases.
3. Base runners may not advance on overthrows at any time.
4. Runners advance one base per play except for the final batter of each inning who gets to circle the bases after hitting the ball.
5. Runners that are put out by the defense are removed from the bases.

Length of Games:

Regulation games shall be six innings. Games will have a 90 minute time limit.

Players and Substitutions:

1. Free substitution shall be used:
   • Any player can enter, leave, and re-enter the game as often as the Team Manager permits.
   • Substitution refers to fielding positions and not batting positions.
   • Once the batting order is set at the beginning of the game, it cannot be changed.
   • Players can leave and enter the game only at the beginning of an inning unless an injury occurs.
   • Players can play any position in an inning with the exception of the pitcher, who once removed as a pitcher can not return to that position during the game.
   • A new pitcher, during an inning, can come from the players that started the inning on the field.
   • If the new pitcher comes from the bench, the pitcher being replaced must return to the bench. He/She cannot play the field during the remainder of that inning.
2. Players play in every game.
3. Every player must play at least 2 innings in the infield.
4. Every player must play at least 1 inning in the outfield.
5. No player will sit twice before every player sits once.
6. If they have extra players, teams may not position extra defensive players in the infield, but they may utilize extra outfielders.
7. Players will rotate among various defensive positions throughout the game.
8. Dropping players:
   • No player will be dropped from a team during the season without the consent and approval of the Board of Directors.
   • A player may be dropped if he does not conform to the league rules and regulations.
   • Verbal and written confirmation of such action will be given to parents after all factors are considered by the board.

Weather Conditions:

1. At the first sign of lightning or sound of thunder, play will be suspended for 30 minutes. Everyone(Players, Umpires, Managers, and Spectators) must leave the field and dugout areas immediately and return to their cars. If there is additional thunder or lightning restart the 30 minute clock. At the expiration of the 30 minute clock play may resume if time and conditions permit. If the game can not be restarted the game shall be called and resumed at a later date.
2. Should the Heat Index be greater than 106 the game will be cancelled. If it’s between 101-105, playing the game is at the managers’ discretion

Bat Regulations:

1. All composite bats must have either a “USABaseball” or “BPF 1.15” stamp. Composite bats that are not certified with the required stamp will not be allowed for use in BGRA games and practices. The transition from the handle to the barrel can be composite.
2. Big barrel bats are allowed in all leagues, though must be a “USABaseball” approved bat. Barrel size must not exceed 2 3/4 inches in diameter.
3. “BPF 1.15” are allowed, though barrel size must not exceed 2 1/4 inches in diameter.
4. There are no Drop restrictions in the T-Ball league.